U is for unicorns

Unicorns — and other magical beasts — are hallmarks of fantasy. They do not, often cannot, exist within our world, so their mere presence tells us that we are elsewhere and elsewhen, even if we see no overt magic. Unicorns are traditionally precious, pure, and innocent, and only attracted to others who share these virtues. In Harry Potter, their blood can be used to extend life. In The Last Unicorn, they are hunted and trapped because of what they are (and a unicorn is the main character of the book — you have to love that!). I think the most unusual treatment I’ve seen of unicorns is in Alethea Kontis’s short story, “The Unicorn Hunter.”

Do you like unicorns? What’s your favorite magical creature? What’s the most unusual way you’ve seen a magical creature used?

Most unusual use would have to be Douglas Niles’ Diggers (basically dwarves) taken by the Madness, which makes them dig uncontrollably and lets them survive on nothing but a small trickle of magical water.

I like unicorns. The weirdest book I’ve read about unicorns was Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund. I won it in a giveaway, otherwise I would never have come across it. Anyway, in this novel, unicorns attack people and are carnivorous. Totally off-putting, but also kind of fascinating.

I LOVE unicorns (and equines in general – girlhood adoration never outgrown, CHECK)! In fact, two and a half made it into my last NaNo novel, all talked, and one was also a talking book/tattoo/unicorn fairy. I suppose that means that novel leans heavily on the fantasy side. In fact, as I think of it, probably epic, as there is a journey and swords.
As an aside, I’m completely astonished that I didn’t actually use U for unicorns in my own A-Z post!